Indulge in the holiday magic of the Starbucks Iced Sugar Cookie Latte — a seasonal treat that blends the warm, buttery sweetness of sugar cookies with bold espresso and creamy almond milk. Topped with sweet cream and festive sprinkles, this iced latte is an easy, refreshing way to capture holiday flavor at home.
The holidays are the perfect time to enjoy cozy, festive drinks, and the Iced Sugar Cookie Latte is one of those seasonal highlights. If you love the sweet, nostalgic taste of sugar cookies but want a homemade version that’s more affordable and customizable than a café order, this copycat recipe delivers. It’s simple to prepare, easy to scale, and perfect for sharing when guests stop by.
I first tasted this latte on the Starbucks holiday menu and knew immediately I wanted to recreate it at home. Brewing your own espresso and mixing in a sugar cookie–flavored syrup lets you control sweetness, milk choice, and toppings — all while keeping the holiday spirit in a glass.
SIMPLE INGREDIENTS YOU WILL NEED FOR THIS COPYCAT LATTE
To make this festive iced latte you’ll need the following:
- Espresso shots (2 shots recommended)
- Almond milk (or oat milk, soy, coconut, or dairy milk — your choice)
- Homemade sugar cookie simple syrup (made with vanilla, almond extract, and butter extract for that cookie flavor)
- Ice
- Optional: sweet cream or whipped cream for topping, plus green and red sprinkles for a festive finish
HOW TO MAKE THIS ICED LATTE
- Brew the espresso: Pull two fresh shots of espresso. If you don’t have an espresso machine, use strong brewed coffee or a concentrated coffee via Moka pot.
- Optional — prepare sweet cream: If you want a creamy top, whisk together heavy cream, a splash of milk, and a touch of vanilla and sugar to taste.
- Create the sugar cookie base: Combine your chosen milk with 1–2 tablespoons of sugar cookie simple syrup and mix until evenly sweetened.
- Assemble the latte: Fill a tall glass with ice, pour in the sweetened milk, then gently add the espresso shots on top.
- Top with sweet cream: Spoon or slowly pour sweet cream over the back of a spoon so it floats on the drink’s surface.
- Garnish and serve: Finish with green and red sprinkles or a light dusting of nutmeg for extra holiday flair. Sip and enjoy.
WHY YOU’LL LOVE THIS VERSION
This Iced Sugar Cookie Latte captures the buttery, vanilla-forward notes of a sugar cookie while keeping the coffee’s boldness intact. Making it at home lets you adjust sweetness, choose dairy or plant-based milks, and decide whether to top it with sweet cream or skip it for a lighter drink. It’s an approachable, festive recipe ideal for cozy mornings or holiday entertaining.
Pro tip: For cold weather, make a hot sugar cookie latte by omitting ice and warming the sweetened milk before adding espresso. Top with warm sweet cream or a dollop of whipped cream and sprinkles.
FAQS
Is this a permanent Starbucks menu item?
The Iced Sugar Cookie Latte is a seasonal offering and is typically available only during the holiday period. Enjoy making a copycat version at home whenever you like.
Can I customize this drink?
Yes. Reduce or increase the sugar cookie syrup to change sweetness, swap almond milk for oat or dairy, and choose whether to add sweet cream, whipped cream, or sprinkles.
How long does the simple syrup last?
Homemade simple syrup stored in a sealed container in the refrigerator will keep for several weeks. Make a batch and use it to flavor multiple holiday drinks.
What other holiday drinks might pair well?
If you enjoy this latte, consider trying other seasonal favorites like chestnut praline or peppermint mocha (homemade versions), or recreate cold brews and flavored lattes you love.
Copycat Starbucks Iced Sugar Cookie Latte Recipe
Prep Time: 5 mins | Total Time: 5 mins | Servings: 1 | Calories: 297 kcal
Ingredients
- 2 shots espresso
- 8 oz almond milk (or milk of choice)
- 2 tbsp homemade sugar cookie simple syrup
- Ice
- Sweet cream cold foam or whipped cream (optional)
Instructions
- Pull two shots of espresso and set aside.
- Mix the almond milk with the sugar cookie syrup until combined.
- Fill a glass with ice and pour in the milk-syrup mixture.
- Pour the espresso over the milk.
- Top with sweet cream or whipped cream if desired, and sprinkle with festive sprinkles.
- Serve immediately and enjoy the holiday flavors.
Nutrition (approximate)
Calories: 297 kcal | Carbohydrates: 67 g | Protein: 3 g | Fat: 8 g | Sugar: 45 g
Please leave feedback if you try this recipe — descriptions, photos, or notes about ingredient swaps help make it even better for others. Happy holidays and enjoy your homemade Starbucks-style Iced Sugar Cookie Latte!